Frontlines and Silver Star by Michael Grant

Ratings: 5/5

Summary: (x)

My Thoughts:

This series is based in WWII and is an alternate history.  In this verse woman are allowed to fight in combat. The premise sold me on the books and I knew I had to read it. I love WWII fiction so this was a great read for me. I could not put these books down and cannot wait for the third book in the series. The three girls who the story is based around are well written and strong. I recommend everyone read these not so known books.

Plot:

The plot goes through the major battles up until d-day. The girls are put in constant danger and end up thriving in the war. The plot is fast paced and full of details. The setting and details add to how the stories play out. The plot helps the girls character growth and how they react to situations.

Characters:

Each of three main characters are well fleshed out and have their own story line. Rio Richlin is strongwilled and has complex characteristics. Frangie Marr signed up to help her family and is willing to help any soldier even in the face of prejudice. Ranie Schulterman is smart and is part of the intelligance branch during the war.

Between Two Skies by Joanna O'Sullivan (ARC from Netgalley)

Rating: 5/5

Summary: (x)

My Thoughts:

First off thank you for netgalley for the copy of the book. I knew this book was one I had to read based on the summary. It did not disappoint and i finished the book in no time.  The characters were well written and made the story so much better. The plot was so interesting especially since it is set in Louisiana before Hurricane Katrina and it also deals with the aftermath of the hurricane. The setting is described in great detail and adds to the story.

Plot:

The plot follows Evangeline and her life in Bayou Perdu. She has her whole life planned out there until tragedy strikes. Her whole life is flipped up when Hurricane Katrina hits her town and destroys it. She has to relocate and start again in a new city. The author tells her story in a way that keeps the plot moving and the reader captivated. The plot is well written and full of detail. The settings in the story helps the plot.

Characters:

Evangeline is so well written and we see her growth as her story goes on. Her family is also well written and add to the story. Tru was also a well written character and fit well into the story.

Coming up for Air by Miranda Kenneally (ARC Provided by netgalley)

Rating: 5/5

Summary: (x)

My thoughts:

First off thank you to netgalley for the arc of the book. I love Mirada Kenneally's books so I knew I had to read this. It was an easy read that was very well written. The author writes very relatable and complex characters. I love sports stories so this made the story very interesting to me. The book is focused on two swimmers and their life.

Plot:
The plot was really well written and the story flowed well. The author weaved the character's personal life with their swim competitions. Since this was set in high school there was drama but that is normal. The romance part of the plot was okay but not really good.

Characters:
Maggie was a really well written character and I love her voice. She was not annoying or drama filled. Her fears were real and made the story more engaging. I liked Levi as well he was always there for Maggie and added to her story. I liked the rest of the characters as well and how they drove the story forward.

Compassionate soldier (ARC provided by Netgalley)

Rating: 5/5

Summary: (x)

My Thoughts:

First off thank you to netgalley for the arc of this book. It was a really interesting read and it was full of stories I did not know about. The stories spanned from the Revolutionary war all the way to the Iraq war. This collection told of many soldiers who saved the lives of people considered enemies. They risked their lives to save those who were wounded or facing death. It shows the compassion of soldiers who did not have to. This is a must read for those who love history and want to learn about real heroes.

Perdition (Provided by NetGalley)

Rating: 2/5

Summary: (x)

My Thoughts:

Disclaimer: I did not like this book at all and it was not for me. That being said it would good for someone who love young adult romance. I could not get into the book at all and wish I could have. The main character was annoying to me and made me not want to read the book. The plot was full of high school drama that was hard to read at times. I will keep the rest of the review short and not opinionated.

Plot:
The plot was what sold me on the book and for the most part was good. The book starts off with the main character and her family moving to a small town. There are reasons for the move that get revealed as the book goes on. Those reasons kept me invested in the book and I had to know what happened. The plot twists were interesting and explained the reasons why she acted the way she did. The romance part of the plot I felt was okay and needed more.

Characters:

Michealla was hard to like and that helped the story develop. The author wrote her that way for a reason. I did not at all like her mom she was mean and not great. Levi, the love interest, was cliched and not very interesting as a love interest.

Recent Purchases/Library checkouts

I have not been buying much as of late but I have gotten some really good books. Most of them are historical fiction, non fiction, and young adult. The library has gotten some amazing books as well so I checked a lot out.

Purchased:

1. Just one day by Gayle Forman
2.  The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
3. Night by Elie Wiesel
4. Dawn by Elie Wisel
5. The Steel Wave by Jeff Shaara
6. No Less than Victory by Jeff Shaara
7. Sarah's key by Tatiana de Rosnay
8. The Mighty eighth by Gerald Astor
9. Currahee! by Donald R. Burgett
10. The Road to Arnhem by Donald R. Burgett
11. One Bullet Away by Nathaniel Fick
12. Defense Zone by Catherine Gayle
13. The Raven King by Nora Sakavic
14. The King's Men by Nora Sakavic
15. Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
16. Gemina by Annie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Library:

1. Front Lines by Michael Grant
2. Silver Star by Michael Grant
3. I'll give you the sun by Jandy Nelson
4. The Zookeeper's wife by Diane Ackerman
5. Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz
6. Traitor to the Throne by Alwyn Hamilton